Multipurpose double latch adjustable bundle tie

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to reusable bundle tie devices, comprising a strap ( 1 ) with transversal knurl teeth ( 11 ), associated with an enclosement buckle with an upper top ( 4 ) elevated from the strap leading end ( 2 ) by a solid state side wall ( 3 ), forming a longitudinal channel ( 12 ) and aperture for transversal docking and undocking of the strap middle part by cross slipping over the tooth unit ( 7 ). The enclosement flap ( 6 ) linked to the leading end ( 2 ) by flexible state reduced portion ( 5 ) locks the buckle by means of one top latch between two cam locks ( 19  and  20 ) contiguous to each stopper ( 13  and  14 ) and one bottom latch between two cam locks ( 17  and  18 ) that replace the flexible portion ( 5 ) during enclosement. This enclosement buckle is opposite to the tail end ( 8 ), comprising a suspension hook ( 9 ) or slot ( 10 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A number of related bundle tying devices have been devised for a variety of purposes generally comprising a band or strap with an interconnected locking head with side walls and an upper top, defining a channel that extends from an entrance window to an exit window in which the free tail end of the band or strap pierces through and subsequently an after tension adjustment is applied to the band or strap.

In some applications, ties are used as engineering devices for securing or fastening constructional elements or machine parts together, by means of a flexible band, conveying, packing, storing, handling thin or filamentary material and specially adapted for supporting cables, pipes or saddles or all placed side by side in bundles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Releasable cable ties feature a releasable engagement between the strap body and the locking head tooth unit, or a weakened region that can be ruptured, or even a predetermined slit on the leading head, thus avoiding the use of cutting tools and so generally employed for simple storage or harness of an article to be bound, such as coiled power cords.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,512 and CN201523184, for example, relate to a band clamp, comprising a top toothed flap in order to alter the traditional center ratchet pawl securing method, but also a different version with no head structure, as separate lugs extending inwardly from each side of the strap are capable of being pushed apart when a pressure is exerted.

By comparison, these prior art devices lack an over the upper top physical barrier as well as a locking mechanism as a whole in order to protect the reduced-section portion, meaning that they are unable to bear pulling forces and bundle loads and therefore this new invention is improved.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,934, for example, relates to a cable harness allowing gathering of elements by tread of leading head, as illustrated in all of its drawing figures.

By comparison, this prior art device lacks locking mechanism of the existing slit, between the blocking tab or roof and its platform, meaning that it is unable to bear pulling forces and bundle loads. Therefore, this new invention is an improvement.

Another one-piece cable tie is illustrated in US2005/0204515 A1, for example, which relates to an inherently breakaway cable tie, comprising a locking head at one end of the tongue and with at least one other side of the locking head defining a thinned region that can be torn or ruptured by the user to release the tongue from the head.

By comparison, this prior art device is neither adjustable nor reusable. Therefore, this new invention is an improvement.

KR2011/0000111A relates to a releasable cable tie by an extending ratchet pawl, but wherein engagement or disengagement of strap body access into locking head channel is restricted to an entrance window and therefore this new invention is an improvement regarding docking and undocking ease access.

EP2431296 A1, for example, relates to an elastomeric releasable cable tie, comprising side walls which define a channel extending from the entrance to the exit end of the head, but also a hingeless wedge extending from the upper top into the channel for engaging or disengaging the strap body knurl restricted to an entrance window and therefore this new invention is an improvement regarding docking and undocking ease access.

US2012/0047691 A1, for example, relates to a cable tie structure, wherein the strap pierces through the window of the locking head and the tooth unit swings toward the rear of the base plate, leaving a relatively large interval for the strap body passage.

Nonetheless, by comparison with this prior art device, wherein the insertion and withdrawal of the strap body from the locking head are limited to an entrance window, this new invention is an improvement regarding docking and undocking ease access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although releasable cable ties and associated buckles are generally known, it is desirable to improve the characteristics thereof (patents U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,512, CN201523184U, U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,512, CN201523184, U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,934, US2005/0204515A1, KR2011/0000111A, EP2431296A1 and US2012/0047691A1).

More specifically, it is desirable to provide a one-piece tie, able to enhance insertion (hereinafter “docking”) and extraction (hereinafter “undocking”) of the bundling strap in the buckle and with good retention performance.

The improvements within this new invention are achieved by a leading locking head (hereinafter “buckle”) shaped as from the strap leading end, a solid state side wall and an upper top, capable of sustaining the engaging strike force of the strap knurl onto the tooth unit, enabling easy and safe docking and undocking of the strap into the buckle, hereafter foreclosed by a side flap with the help of a flexible adjacent lever.

Concerning the buckle foreclosure, there is a top latch comprising an outward facing wedge-shaped longitudinal protrusion on the leading end upper top and an inward facing cam shaped longitudinal protrusion on the side flap upper wedge. Furthermore, the foreclosure of the buckle includes a bottom latch, comprising an outward facing cam shaped longitudinal protrusion on the leading end free side wedge and an inward facing cam shaped longitudinal protrusion on the side flap base.

The said bottom latch replaces the flexible state reduced-section portion that physically connects the side flap and the leading end, during buckle enclosement.

Furthermore, the inward targeting of both side flap cams comprises both latches and thus load sustainability of the buckle enclosement. Therefore, secure locking load support is the equivalent to both latches breakpoints.

Also regarding this particular latching system, one stopper on one of the opposite tips of each top latch longitudinal protrusion prevents leading end cover longitudinal torsion vectors, but serves as well as closing tabs for enclosement of the buckle side flap.

Another embodiment of the invention features an elongation strap, shaped by the cross-section circumflex without edge transition areas between the root of each knurl tooth and both broadsides, thereby preventing jamming during transversal docking or undocking of the knurl along the edge of the tooth unit.

In yet another embodiment of this invention, the bundling strap tail end comprises different shapes, such as the groove-shaped hook or suspension slot presented, in order to facilitate its suspension on surrounding structures, interconnection or grouping with several other ties.

The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view embodiment of the present invention, wherein the buckle is shown in a perspective angle in relation to the strap.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the buckle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an angular perspective embodiment of the knurl cross section.

FIG. 4 is an auxiliary and angled perspective view of the bundle tie buckle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an angle in perspective elevation view of the bundle tie in FIG. 1, prior to tensioning around an object.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section in perspective elevation view of the bundle tie in FIG. 1 subsequent to tensioning around an object.

It should be understood that these drawings are not necessarily to scale and in certain instances, details are not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a bundling tie in accordance with the present invention comprises a lacing band or strap (hereinafter “strap”) (1), formed with a series of small protrusions in the form of knurling teeth on one of its faces (hereinafter “knurl”) (11), one tail end (8) and a solid state buckle or clamp (hereinafter “buckle”) formed at the opposite leading end (2).

In another embodiment within the same illustration, the said tail end (8) of the strap (1) can include for example a hook-shaped groove (9), slot (10) or another format in order to suspend or hold the set.

FIG. 2 shows the buckle, comprising an upper top (4) that is spaced and interconnected in a solid state manner from the strap leading end (2) by a side wall (3). In addition, a tooth unit (7) is formed in the buckle's longitudinal channel (12) and extends in a flexible manner from the leading end (2) centre part. Once it engages onto the knurl teeth (11), it prevents unlooping by retreat of the said strap (1) around the bundle, once it docks into the buckle.

Furthermore, the enclosure mode of the buckle's longitudinal channel (12) side aperture comprises an enclosement flap (6) in the path of the longitudinal channel (12), interconnected to the strap leading end (2), by a reduced flexible state portion (5).

Referring now to another embodiment of the invention specified in FIG. 3, comprising circumflex shape edge free transition areas, between the root of each protruding knurl tooth (15 a and 15 b) and both (16 a and 16 b) circumferential shape broadsides, it will prevent jamming of strap (1) along the tooth unit's (7) top edge, while transversally docking and undocking the said strap through the longitudinal channel (12) side aperture.

Concerning the buckle longitudinal channel foreclosure, FIG. 4 indicates a top latch comprising downward and inward facing cam shape longitudinal protrusion (19) formed on the enclosement flap (6), designated to engage onto an outward and upward facing wedge-shaped longitudinal protrusion (20) formed on the buckle upper top (4) outer edge.

Further regarding the buckle foreclosure, FIG. 4 also indicates a bottom latch comprising an outward and upward pawl-shaped cam groove protrusion (17) formed on the leading end (2), designated to engage onto an inward and upward lug-shaped longitudinal protrusion (18). The said bottom latch subsequently replaces the reduced flexible state portion (5), as long as the buckle is kept closed, thus preventing the flexible state portion (5) from rupture, due to buckle torsion during operation.

Also, at one end of each aforementioned upper protrusion (19 and 20) indicated in FIGS. 2 and 4, two tabs (13 and 14) are formed respectively, acting as enclosement guides but above all as longitudinal tensile load torsion stoppers of the upper top (4) and enclosement flap (6) during operation.

FIG. 5 is schematic representation in perspective, concerning cross-docking of the bundle strap (1) middle section into the enclosement buckle after lacing the said articles (22), in which the strap (1) middle part is inserted transversally into the longitudinal channel (12) by sliding of the knurl teeth (11) along the tooth unit (7) edge.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation in perspective regarding the enclosement mode of the bundle tie in accordance with the invention after looping the said articles (22), in which the side aperture enclosement flap (6) with the aid of the flexible shaped tab (21) helps the user to lock the bundle tie strap (1) inside the buckle, but also helps the user to unlatch the same enclosement flap (6) and later undock the bundle strap (1) from the buckle.

Thereafter, as long as the said strap (1) is locked inside the buckle, the set may only be snugged onto the said article (22) by stretching the strap tail end (8). There is no bagging caused by retreating of the same strap (1) due to tooth unit (7) engagement onto any knurl (11) section.

While various embodiments have been described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the scope and spirit of the present invention are as set forth in the following claims.

APPLICABILITY

The present invention addresses not only the need for bundle tie reuse, but especially in this particular invention easier and safer adjustment of the tie loop, depending on the user's needs and in order to group or set any organic or inorganic physical element, temporarily or Permanently. 

1. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie, comprising a bundle knurled strap (1) with a tail at one end (8) and an enclosement buckle on its opposite end, shaped in a solid state manner by a side wall (3), the upper top (4) and the strap leading head (2), thus forming a lateral aperture to the channel (12) for transversal docking and undocking of the knurled strap (1) after bundling and set to be enclosed by a double latch side flap (6), interconnected to the said leading head (2), by a membrane (5) shaped in a flexible state manner.
 2. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, wherein a lower latch comprises an enclosement side flap (6) bottom pawl-shaped cam groove longitudinal protrusion (17) and a lug-shaped cam groove longitudinal protrusion (18) shaped from the strap leading head (2).
 3. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, wherein the said buckle enclosement comprises a flexible membrane (5) in the path of the longitudinal channel (12), interconnecting the strap leading head (2) and the side flap (6) in a flexible manner.
 4. An adjustable double latch a multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, wherein an upper latch comprises an inward facing cam shape longitudinal protrusion (19) on the enclosement side flap (6), designed to engage onto an outward facing wedge-shaped longitudinal protrusion (20) on the buckle upper top (4) outer edge.
 5. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, wherein there is an inverted clamping orientation between the lower latch and upper latch, in which the side flap (6) cam protrusions (17 and 19) envelop the leading head (2) buckle cam protrusions (18 and 20) on the outer side, in order to increase outward tensile load capacity of the buckle upper top (4).
 6. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, comprising one enclosement guide and stopper (13 and 14) on each of the aforementioned upper protrusions (19, 20), in order to increase longitudinal tensile load capacity of the enclosement side flap (6).
 7. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, comprising an enclosement and opening aid flexible lever-shaped extension (21), formed from the tip of the buckle enclosement side flap (6).
 8. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, comprising circumflex and edge free shape of the knurl, between the teeth root (15 a and 15 b) transition cross-section and both (16 a and 16 b) broadsides, thus preventing bundle tie (1) jam along the tooth pawl (7) edge, wherein there is the said transversal docking and undocking of the knurl teeth (11) into the buckle channel (12) lateral aperture.
 9. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, wherein the said tail end (8) of the knurled bundle strap (1) includes, for example, a hook-shaped groove (9), slot (10), in order to interconnect and group with other bundling ties or suspend onto adjacent structures.
 10. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 1, characterised by the bundling strap (1) transversal docking and undocking of the bundle strap's (1) middle part, through the buckle's lateral aperture, regardless of the typical front window incursion, of the tail end (8) into the buckle's channel (12).
 11. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 2 wherein there is an inverted clamping orientation between the lower latch and upper latch, in which the side flap (6) cam protrusions (17 and 19) envelop the leading head (2) buckle cam protrusions (18 and 20) on the outer side, in order to increase outward tensile load capacity of the buckle upper top (4).
 12. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 4, wherein there is an inverted clamping orientation between the lower latch and upper latch, in which the side flap (6) cam protrusions (17 and 19) envelop the leading head (2) buckle cam protrusions (18 and 20) on the outer side, in order to increase outward tensile load capacity of the buckle upper top (4).
 13. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 2, comprising one enclosement guide and stopper (13 and 14) on each of the aforementioned upper protrusions (19, 20), in order to increase longitudinal tensile load capacity of the enclosement side flap (6).
 14. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 4, comprising one enclosement guide and stopper (13 and 14) on each of the aforementioned upper protrusions (19, 20), in order to increase longitudinal tensile load capacity of the enclosement side flap (6).
 15. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 5, comprising one enclosement guide and stopper (13 and 14) on each of the aforementioned upper protrusions (19, 20), in order to increase longitudinal tensile load capacity of the enclosement side flap (6).
 16. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 3, comprising an enclosement and opening aid flexible lever-shaped extension (21), formed from the tip of the buckle enclosement side flap (6).
 17. An adjustable double latch multipurpose bundle tie of claim 6, comprising an enclosement and opening aid flexible lever-shaped extension (21), formed from the tip of the buckle enclosement side flap (6). 